It was an amazing day at Diamond Peak on Sunday at the Dummy Downhill event!

There was a huge turnout this year with many different dummies to be seen. Incline Elementary had a significant presence at the event with all the students, staff and parents that came out. Last year Eric Harssema’s 2nd grade class was the only one to compete. This year each grade level, and a few individual classes, made their own dummy and entered it into the contest. Judges had their work cut out for them, there were so many creative and speedy looking dummies. First the judges walked around and inspected the dummies judging on appearance and creativity. Before the results were announced it was time to get the dummies ready for the second portion of competition; the big jump. One by one the dummies were towed up by the Diamond Peak Ski Patrol and placed at the top of the course, waiting until the time came for them to send it down the track.

Students Enjoying the Event

Best Overall Awardee Diamond Gingy

The 2014 Dummy Downhill Track

First up from Incline Elementary was Kindergarden’s Cat In The Hat dummy. Man what an impressive run! Cat In The Hat made it all the way down the track, hit the jump and sent it at least 30 feet, and stuck the landing! Next up was Diamond Gingy from the 2nd grade class. Diamond Gingy soared down the slope, hit the jump and landed, staying almost perfectly intact. Then it was Turbo’s turn to hit the slopes. Turbo the snail started getting off track and slammed into the side barrier. He did a full summersault, and due to his round design, he rolled back onto his skis and continued his run. He made it all the way to the jump before crashing for a second time, this time too weak to continue. After Turbo it was another 2nd grade class Cowboy’s turn, who also hit the side barrier causing him to crash. Next up was the viking Skief Erikson from 5th grade.

Kindergarden’s Cat In The Hat Launching!

Skief Erikson had an impressive run despite his off-balanced nature. It looked like a real person going down the mountain, he was even pumping and turning a bit. Unfortunately Skief Erikson did not make it past the jump. 5th grades Minion was up next. He went straight down the top half and hit the jump with confidence. He stuck the landing perfectly and rode a way like a true skier. It was smooth sailing for the minion until colliding with the wreckage of 2nd grade’s cowboy below. Toby the bear from 3rd grade was up next. There was a lot of pressure on 3rd grade for they were defending their champion title from last year’s win. Toby made an impressive run down the hill and blasted off the jump, tumbling and sending bits of paper mache bear all over the course. Last but not least was the UFO from one of the 4th grade classes. The UFO made a straight line all the way down the track, launching off the jump and coming apart on the landing.

Kindergarden Takes Creativity Award

After all the dummies were down the hill it was time for the awards to be given out. It was tough competition out there and it was anyone’s guess who was going to win it. First the judges annouced the winner for most creative dummy, and it was Kindergarden’s Cat In The Hat that won!! There were all sorts of awards given out including shortest distance and longest jump. Longest jump went to a dummy called the stump jumper, which was literally a tree stump attached to skis. The grand prize and overall best dummy went to Diamond Gingy! Once again Incline Elementary takes the Gold!!